Steven J. Anderson

Steven Jon Anderson,” Stevie Ray”, to his family and friends, age 70, of Kingsley, Michigan (formerly of Interlochen, Michigan), passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at home surrounded by family as they watched the U of M / Arizona NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament, which Michigan won. GO BLUE! Steve was a diehard Michigan fan. Steve was born on April 9, 1955, in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Rodger and Barbara (Ford) Anderson, the eldest of six children. Steve graduated from West Catholic High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan and began pursuing his passion of the culinary arts, becoming a chef at the notable Park Place Hotel and Waterfront Inn of Traverse City, Michigan. His love of the food service industry later found him in sales with Midstate Food Service where his charisma earned him the title of Top Salesman 15 years running and gifting him with trips to numerous Caribbean destinations. His love of cooking, however, called him back into the kitchen as Kitchen Director at the Oaks Correctional Facility until his retirement. Steve was a man of faith as a 40-year parishioner of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where he served as an Usher. Steve married the love of his life, Kathleen Olson, on August 23, 1975. The following year, the two of them left the city behind to begin their up north adventure together, traveling in their red MG with a mattress strapped on the back and a broom. They settled in Interlochen, Michigan making it their home for nearly 50 years. Stevie was an avid hunter of both deer and Morel mushrooms. The annual trek to deer camp with his Dad, brothers, sons, and friends, was a highlight every year. So too were the mushroom hunts with family and friends; Morels were often a savory addition to meals Steve prepared for his family. Steve loved the outdoors! Whether he was tending to plants in his garden each summer, boating or fishing on Duck Lake and Green Lake, ice fishing on many other beautiful lakes in the area, cross country skiing with his kids at Mud Lake, or sharing his love of Ranch Rudolph by spearheading the annual Fourth of July weekend gatherings with the entire Anderson clan canoeing down the Boardman River, Steve entertained with his quick wit and Stevie-Rayisms, as his family calls them; Steve’s unique one liners describing the obvious. Steve made many memories on road trips with his wife Kathleen (his Kate) exploring National Lakeshore beaches which were a prime destination in the summer months and organizing family camping trips at Northern Michigan campgrounds (the Interlochen State Park was his favorite). As an avid sports fan, Steve watched U of M football and basketball religiously, many times in the company of family and friends and loved the bantering that always ensued among them. Steve is survived by his wife Kathleen (Olson) of fifty years, his four children, sons Gabriel Anderson (Michelle) and Michael Anderson; and daughters Nicole Anderson and Molly (Tyler) Clark. He is remembered by his 13 grandchildren: Grace, Luke, Joseph, Janey, Catrina, Robert, Cash, Max, Ruby, Skylar, T. J., Aubrey, and Jack. He is survived by his father, Rodger Anderson, brothers Jeffrey (Mary) Anderson, Matthew Anderson; sisters Kay (Mark) Nawrocki, Debra (Mike) Duffy, Elizabeth (Steve) Wolters, and many nephews and nieces. Steve was preceded in death by his mother, Barbara (Ford) Anderson. A funeral Mass will be celebrated for Steve at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Traverse City, Michigan on April 14, 2026, at 1:00pm with visitation beginning at 12:00pm. A luncheon will follow in the church hall after the Mass. Burial at the St. Mary’s of Hannah cemetery, Kingsley, Michigan will follow the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to the Cancer Patient Needs Fund at the Cowel Family Cancer Center in Traverse City, MI. Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Steve’s family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Steven J. Anderson

April 9, 1955 - April 4, 2026